Jam-Free, Fail-Safe Flight Control System with Asymmetric Load Alleviation Capability

A dual cable flight control Driving System presented here functions the same way as current flight control systems in normal operation. However, if a jam occurs this System automatically transfers the command to the non-jammed side without pilot’s intervention. It enables either pilot to continue controlling the aircraft despite jamming, with no extra effort, no delay in action, and no threat of over-controlling the aircraft as a result of jamming. Current designs always require pilot’s action involving critical time delays in controlling the aircraft. For the same flight regime this System retains the same pilot effort force and the same cockpit control deflection as the non-jammed system. If unjamming occurs (icing condition) it automatically reverts back to normal operation without any pilot’s intervention. In normal operation the System is able to automatically balance-out asymmetric loads between surfaces thus leading to some load reduction and possible weight saving. It is also fail-safe.

File Size: 152K

Included in: SP-2214

See papers presented at Wichita Aviation Technology Congress & Exhibition, August 2008, Wichita, KS, USA, Session: Stability and Contol, Flying Qualities and Flight Control System Design (Part 2 of 2)

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